Question

What is the difference between binary and multiple fission?

Answer 1

1. Binary fission is an asexual mode of reproduction in which an organism produces two identical offspring by just splitting the body into two new bodies.
2. Multiple fission is also an asexual mode of reproduction in which instead of two, an organism(parent cell) produces many daughter cells.

Binary fission	Multiple fission
1. It gives rise to two individuals.	1. It gives rise to multiple individuals.
2. Nuclear division is followed by cytokinesis.	2. Nuclear division (karyokinesis) is not followed by cytokinesis.
3. Nucleus divides once.	3. Nucleus divides many times.
4. No cyst is formed.	4. Cyst is formed that helps the organism during unfavourable conditions.
5. Eg: Amoeba, Euglena, etc.	5. Plasmodium, Algae, etc.